What type of food do you serve?

We serve a modern cuisine inspired by the Central Coast of California. Drawing inspiration from the area’s rich history, deep culinary traditions, abundant natural resources, and the people who have shaped this region, our cuisine is a true reflection of Santa Barbara. Each dish we create is not just incredibly delicious, but also a story—one that speaks of time, place, and the intersection of food and culture.

Our custom Santa Maria grill trailer is at the heart of our offerings, bringing California’s seasonal bounty to life. With a wide array of options—meats, seafood, and vibrant vegetables—you can create a menu tailored to delight every guest.

How do you source your ingredients?

We are deeply committed to using seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients that reflect the rich agricultural heritage of California’s Central Coast. Our commitment to sustainability and freshness ensures that every dish reflects the best of what our region has to offer. While we source directly from local farms, our team also takes weekly trips to the Santa Barbara Farmers Market to source many of our ingredients.

What styles of service do you offer for events?

We provide a variety of service options tailored to the unique needs of your event, such as buffet-style, family-style dining, passed and stationary appetizers, and charcuterie grazing tables. Our team is committed to crafting a personalized culinary experience that enhances the ambiance and vision of your celebration. We can provide a more involved, hands-on style of service with additional staff, or a more relaxed, casual style of service depending on what best suits your vision.

What types of events do you cater?

We specialize in a wide variety of events, carefully tailored to fit each occasion. From corporate events like fundraisers, company picnics, and holiday parties, to personal celebrations such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, post-wedding brunches, and milestone occasions, we have the expertise to handle it all. No matter the event, we customize our services to meet your specific needs and ensure a smooth, successful experience.

What areas do you service?

Whether you’re celebrating in the rolling hills of Santa Barbara, hosting an intimate gathering in Montecito, or planning a grand affair in the valleys of Santa Ynez and Ojai, we tailor every detail to embody the spirit of your occasion.

Our standard service area includes any location within 60 miles of Santa Barbara. We also offer catering services beyond this range, up to 120 miles, for an additional travel fee.

What Types of Venues Can You Host an Event In?

We can bring our services to virtually any venue, whether it’s a ranch, farm, beach, hotel, Airbnb, brewery, vineyard, or even your personal home—there are few limitations. If you need assistance in finding the perfect location, we’re happy to help, drawing on our strong connections with a variety of local vendors. Additionally, we offer on-site catering at our restaurant, Barbareño, located in downtown Santa Barbara.

Can You Host an Event at My Home or AirB&B?

Absolutely. Hosting an event in the comfort of your own home adds a personal and intimate touch to any celebration. We bring the full experience of our catering services to your doorstep, transforming your space into the perfect setting for a memorable gathering. From setup to cleanup, we handle every detail with care, ensuring your event is as effortless as it is unforgettable.

Can you Cater corporate events and company picnics?

Yes! From corporate events, to company picnics, or fundraisers, we have the expertise to manage every detail. Our team ensures that your event is professionally executed, allowing your team to focus on what matters most.

How do I book an event?

To book an event, please click the link below to submit an inquiry. A member of our team will reach out to you within 48 hours to discuss the details and begin planning your event.
Submit an Inquiry

Do You Provide Labor and Staffing?

Yes, we provide a team of professionally trained chefs, service staff, and bartenders, each committed to delivering an impeccable experience. Our catering team is composed of the same skilled and friendly staff who work at Barbareño, setting us apart from other services. Their training and experience ensure a level of hospitality and professionalism that’s hard to match.

What Types of Menus Do You Offer?

We’ll collaborate with you to craft a menu that showcases the finest organic, seasonal, and locally sourced produce. Every dish is thoughtfully designed to reflect the beauty and abundance of our region, ensuring your event is a true celebration of California’s culinary heritage. You can explore our sample menus here, which change with the seasons to capture the freshest flavors.

Can you accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions?

Absolutely. We will work closely with you to curate a menu that accommodates any allergies or dietary restrictions your guests may have. We’ve accommodated guests who are gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, vegan and more. Please discuss this with us on your consultation call. 

Can You Create a Vegan or Vegetarian Menu for My Wedding?

Yes! We can craft a fully vegan or vegetarian menu that aligns with your preferences, ensuring that every dish delights your guests and complements the elegance of your celebration.

Can You Provide a Gluten-Free Menu?

Yes, we offer a variety of gluten-free options and can design a menu tailored to meet your specific needs, making sure that all your guests enjoy a delicious and inclusive dining experience.

Can you coordinate with my wedding/event planner?

Yes, we can collaborate with your event coordinator to discuss set-up details and any necessary rentals. We have great relationships with many wedding planners in the Santa Barbara area from past events.

What does your setup involve?

Our Santa Maria grill rig is expertly crafted for easy setup on any flat, outdoor surface. Fully self-contained, we bring everything required, allowing us to concentrate on providing a flawless culinary experience, regardless of your event’s location.  We also set up a mobile kitchen if there is no kitchen available at your venue.

Can you provide flowers?

While we do not provide flowers directly, we partner with some incredible vendors and would be happy to refer you to them.

Do you provide event coordination?

Yes, as a full-service catering company, we offer event coordination. Our in-house coordinator will collaborate with you or your wedding planner to execute your vision for the day.

How many guests can you serve?

We are equipped to cater events ranging from 50 to 250 guests. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, our team is committed to delivering a dining experience tailored to your event's size and needs.

How far in advance should I reserve my date?

To ensure your preferred date is secured, we highly recommend reserving your event 2 months to 1 year in advance. Our calendar fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so it’s best to lock in your date as soon as possible. However, if your event is coming up soon, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’ll do everything we can to accommodate your timeline and confirm availability. 

What are your food and beverage minimums?

Our food and beverage minimum is $3,500. For the most accurate and personalized details, we encourage you to reach out directly. We’d be happy to provide a customized proposal tailored to your specific event requirements.

What beverage options do you offer?

We offer a curated selection of wines by the bottle, local canned beers, and a variety of sodas to suit your event’s needs. Additionally, our professional bartending services are available to craft and serve beverages that perfectly complement your celebration.  We do not provide hard alcohol.

How can I find out more?

For more information, please fill complete the from on our contact page: here, email us at info@barbareno.com, or call the restaurant at 805-963-9591 and ask for our event coordinator, Elisa.

How can I see a cost breakdown for my proposed event?

To receive a detailed cost breakdown, please fill out this form, and our event coordinator will reach out within 48 hours. We can then schedule a call to gather the necessary information and create a draft contract that includes a standard billing summary. For the most accurate quote, please let us know if you’re interested in any additional services.

Do you offer food tastings?

Yes, we offer tastings! If your event is not yet booked, we charge a fee for the tasting, which will be applied toward your final bill once the event is confirmed. It’s a great way to experience the flavors and quality of our dishes before finalizing your menu. We look forward to helping you select the perfect items for your special occasion!

What is your deposit policy?

A non-refundable 25% deposit is due at the time of booking to guarantee your event date. Once received, we will work with you to finalize the remaining details.

When is the final payment due?

The final payment, minus the deposit, will be charged to the card on file (or can be paid via check) 7 days prior to your event. The final bill will include the cost per guest, all add-ons, a 5% booking fee, 8.75% tax, and a 20% service charge.